When wondering where to stay in Phuket, couples have plenty of areas to choose from as this popular destination has a flavour for every type of traveller.
We can zoom in on every area in Phuket, however, this article has the purpose to simplify your choice when choosing the best area to stay as a couple. Each recommended area comes with its pros and cons, which are written after every paragraph.
In order to explore the island easily and avoid the scams of the taxi mafia, we recommend you rent a car, not a motorbike (too many accidents happen).
Make sure you have your international driver’s license and insurance ready.
If you rent a car during your stay in Phuket, you have the benefit of staying at one of those remote, luxurious hotels that are ideal for couples while visiting the island’s highlights whenever you want.
With that being said, let’s jump to our recommendations for your question about where to stay in Phuket as a couple.
Where to stay in Phuket for couples? Keep reading!
In brief:
Where to stay in Phuket as a couple?
Picking the best area in Phuket for couples depends on several variables, such as budget, interests and willingness to rent a car (mobility).
In short, the best areas are Nai Yang & Mai Khao, Kamala, Kata, Karon and even Patong.
Each area comes with pros and cons, which we all described in this article so you can make the best choice to pick the best area to stay in Phuket as a couple.
Best areas to stay in Phuket as a couple:
1. Nai Yang & Mai Khao
Nai Yang is located right under Phuket International Airport on the west side of the island and is a peaceful area with several luxurious hotels that are ideal for couples.
It’s located far away from the bustling nightlife but also far away from the island’s highlights.
For that reason, we only recommend you stay here in case you rent a car. An evening walk on the beach without being disturbed is common at Nai Yang Beach and hotels such as Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa and Naiyang Park Resort is excellent for couples.
There are hotels available in several budget classes.
Keep in mind that Nai Yang is a quiet area, away from common facilities.
The remoteness makes it unique, but if you’re looking for an area more vibrant, we recommend you stay elsewhere.
Make sure to visit Mai Khao Beach – Airport viewpoint for that unique selfie with an ascending airplane in the background.
Also, there is a popular golf course at Phuket Country Club and this attracts a certain type of traveller. Facilities that are expected for these types of travellers are available in Nai Yang (and Mai Khao), meaning that this part of Phuket offers luxury and comfort.
Alternative: for even more luxury while enjoying the peacefulness, have a look at Mai Khao, the area north of Nai Yang. Here, you can find amazing hotels and beach clubs that are ideal for that romantic vibe.
Nai Yang during the day and evening. The pictures from the hotel are at Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa.
Pros: quiet area, quiet beach, excellent hotels for couples (high-end hotels).
Cons: far away from the island’s highlights, renting a car is required to explore the island properly.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Phuket for couples in this area are visually listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
2. Kata Beach
Although located in Karon, Kata Beach is unique and attracts mostly families and couples due to its calmness and for that reason, it deserves a special mention.
The beach itself is beautiful with palm trees, white sand and crystal-clear water.
During the evening, the nightlife venues are excellent for couples and you won’t find drunken singles here.
Generally speaking, the three most popular beaches in Phuket are Patong, Kata and Karon Beach, and of these three, Kata Beach is the most suitable area in Phuket for couples. And for those who want to see a little bit of the action in Patong, a ten-minute drive will get you there.
Aside from its beautiful beach, which can get busy, there are plenty of spas available in this area as well as a night market.
Most importantly, Kata Beach is located much more central than for example Nai Yang, and closer to the island highlights such as Karon Viewpoint, Mingmongkol Big Buddha, and Promthep Cape.
Tip: Visit the more secluded Kata Noi which is a beautiful beach part of Kata Beach itself.
Pros: popular touristic area suitable for couples, central location.
Cons: the beach can get crowded.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Phuket for couples in this area are visually listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
3. Kamala
This former fishing village is yet another peaceful beach, although water activities can be found during the day.
The beach is surrounded by two mountains, which gives it a more isolated feeling. Life in Kamala is slow, which attracts retirees, tourists with kids, and couples.
Hotels in all budget categories can be found here with a great ocean view. From Kamala, you can easily access other beaches nearby, such as Surin Beach and Hua Beach.
Recently, Kamala is gaining popularity and new hotels are being built rapidly, but the laid-back vibe is still there (for now).
Kamala is more like a small town than a part of Phuket.
In the evening, you can easily find a nice place close to the beach for sipping cocktails and having a good time instead of partying all night long.
During the day, the secluded beach is your best friend, and its more central location is great to take the car and explore the island.
Pros: popular touristic area suitable for couples, laid-back vibe, more central location, hotels in all budget classes.
Cons: renting a car is required to explore the island properly.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Phuket for couples in this area are visually listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
4. Karon
Karon is a popular area in Phuket among tourists as it has one of the longest beaches on the island and you can find many budget-friendly accommodations.
It’s a vibrant area with plenty of facilities and it lies more central on the southwest part of the island, close to the Big Buddha and Karon Viewpoint. With many restaurants near the beach, it’s an ideal area in Phuket for couples to try out seafood restaurants in the evening with a nice sea breeze on their face.
As it’s such a popular destination, especially for families, you can find all sorts of activities in this area, ranging from snorkelling, diving and surfing to parasailing.
Overall, Karon is a great area to stay in Phuket for couples, especially when you’re on a budget, but there are better areas that come with a higher price tag.
You can see Karon as Patong without the wild nightlife, in other words: it is a hugely popular touristic area without the ping-pong shows.
Pros: more budget-friendly area, good location to explore the island, and plenty of activities including proper nightlife that’s suitable for couples.
Cons: when staying in a more bustling area in Phuket, there are better options.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Phuket for couples in this area are visually listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
5. Patong
It’s no secret that Patong is the nightlife area of Phuket and that it attracts all sorts of (young) travellers, even the single ones.
But contrary to Pattaya, the somewhat notorious nightlife area of Patong is more couple-friendly. But keep in mind that it’s a red-light district.
And if you want to be right in the epicentre of all this, when you’re a young couple who enjoys the nightlife, then Patong is definitely an area to consider.
Patong does not have the most beautiful beaches but is by far the most bustling area you can find on the island. If none of this is for you as a couple, then avoid Patong at all costs.
For food, Patong is not the area where you find exciting local food.
There are exceptions, but the main reason is that Patong is touristy and does not have a stable, local resident population. Most visitors only stay here for two weeks and these tourists don’t even always eat Thai food.
Places like Rawai and Bang Tao are much better for exploring the local cuisine. There are good restaurants for tourists in Patong to be found though.
Pros: the most bustling area, good for couples who love nightlife
Cons: the beach is not that good, red-light district, not many amazing local food options, if you’re not into nightlife then avoid this area.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Phuket for couples in this area are visually listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
Why we don’t recommend staying in Phuket Old Town
Although Phuket Old Town is picturesque, not having a beach at your doorsteps is not what you want when staying in Phuket as a couple.
That’s why we suggest visiting Phuket Old Town as a day trip.
Walking around this iconic, charming part of Phuket with all the colourful houses is absolutely an activity for couples, especially in the afternoon when it’s not that hot.
Why we don’t recommend staying in Rawai
Rawai is known for its seafood restaurants and food lovers should definitely check out this area.
From Rawai, you usually take the boat to one of the islands for day trips, which you can combine your seafood experience with.
However, the lack of a proper beach where you can swim and snorkel makes it not recommendable.
Although there is nightlife, restaurants, and nice coffee shops, we think this is not a good area in Phuket for couples as the nightlife is in the form of beer bars.
You can definitely check out the food scene though, but as an area to stay in, it’s not recommended.
Unique and romantic hotels in Phuket for couples
Here are some unique and romantic hotels for couples in Phuket where you might want to stay:
Map of best areas in Phuket for couples
The next image is a map of the best areas in Phuket for couples including the city highlights. The image is in high resolution so you can easily zoom in to see all the details.
Other relevant articles:
Where to stay in Phuket with family?
Where to stay in Phuket for the first time?
There you have it, our recommendations to your question of where to stay in Phuket for couples.